Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) Q1 2026 Financial Results Summary

Release Date: April 29, 2026

Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META) reported its financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2026. Below is a summary of the key highlights from their financial report:

Financial Highlights

• Revenue:
  • $56.31 billion, a 33% increase compared to $42.31 billion in Q1 2025.
• Costs and Expenses:
  • Total costs were $33.44 billion, reflecting a 35% increase from $24.76 billion in the same quarter last year.
• Income from Operations:
  • Rose to $22.87 billion, a 30% increase compared to $17.56 billion in Q1 2025.
• Operating Margin:
  • Remained steady at 41%.
• Net Income:
  • Stood at $26.77 billion, marking a significant 61% increase from $16.64 billion a year ago.
• Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS):
  • $10.44, a 62% increase from $6.43 in Q1 2025.

Tax Information

• The tax provision showed a net benefit of $5.02 billion, which is compared to a provision of $1.74 billion in Q1 2025, resulting in a not meaningful comparison.
• The effective tax rate for this quarter was -23%, down from 9% a year prior due to an $8.03 billion income tax benefit.

Operational Highlights

• Family Daily Active People (DAP):
  • Averaged 3.56 billion in March 2026, a 4% increase year-over-year. The quarter-on-quarter decline was attributed to internet disruptions in certain regions.
• Ad Impressions:
  • Increased by 19% year-over-year.
• Average Price per Ad:
  • Increased by 12% year-over-year.

Cash and Investments

• Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities:
  • Totaled $81.18 billion as of March 31, 2026.
• Free Cash Flow:
  • Reported at $12.39 billion, an increase from $10.33 billion in Q1 2025.

Dividend and Repurchase

• Dividend Payments:
  • Meta declared $1.35 billion in dividend and dividend equivalent payments for the quarter.
• Share Repurchase:
  • No share repurchases were reported in this quarter.

Headcount

• Employees:
  • The headcount was recorded at 77,986, a 1% increase year-over-year.

Future Outlook

• Revenue Guidance for Q2 2026:
  • Expected to be in the range of $58-61 billion, with foreign currency having an anticipated 2% positive impact.
• Expense Guidance for FY 2026:
  • Total expenses are projected in the range of $162-169 billion, unchanged from previous forecasts.
• Capital Expenditures:
  • Expected to increase to $125-145 billion, reflecting higher component costs and data center expenses.

Conclusion

Meta Platforms, Inc. reported strong growth in key financial metrics for Q1 2026, demonstrating continued momentum and operational efficiency against the backdrop of evolving market dynamics. The upcoming quarters are anticipated to maintain this trajectory as the company navigates various headwinds and capitalizes on emerging opportunities.

Note: All amounts are in millions.

Item	2026	2025
Revenue	56,311	42,314
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue
Research and development	10,218	7,572
Marketing and sales
General and administrative	17,699	12,150
Total costs and expenses	33,439	24,759
Income from operations	22,872	17,555
Interest and other income (expense), net	2,614	2,280
Income before income taxes	22,872	17,555
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(5,021)	1,738
Net income	26,773	16,644
Earnings per share:
Basic	10.57	6.59
Diluted	10.44	6.43
Weighted-average shares used to compute earnings per share:
Basic	2,534	2,527
Diluted	2,564	2,590

Note: All amounts are in millions.

Item	March 31, 2026	December 31, 2025
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	23,426	35,873
Marketable securities	57,754	45,719
Accounts receivable, net	17,470	19,769
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,115	7,361
Total current assets	109,765	108,722
Non-marketable equity investments	28,410	27,524
Property and equipment, net	194,776	176,400
Operating lease right-of-use assets	23,268	20,404
Goodwill	24,748	24,534
Other assets	14,283	8,437
Total assets	395,250	366,021
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	13,326	8,894
Operating lease liabilities, current	2,414	2,213
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	31,013	30,729
Total current liabilities	46,753	41,836
Operating lease liabilities, non-current	25,607	22,940
Long-term debt	58,748	58,744
Long-term income taxes	16,849	21,005
Other liabilities	3,612	4,253
Total liabilities	151,569	148,778
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock and additional paid-in capital	99,337	95,793
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(303)	271
Retained earnings	144,647	121,179
Total stockholders' equity	243,681	217,243
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	395,250	366,021

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